Judge A. Michael Snyder (Ret.)

Judge Snyder's creative approach to problem-solving makes him exceptionally qualified to serve as an arbitrator, fact finder, mediator or special master with The Dispute Resolution Institute (DRI). Judge Snyder joined DRI in January, 2012. Prior to joining us, Judge Snyder served for over 14 years as a Workers' Compensation Judge.

During his years on the bench, Judge Snyder was respected for his knowledge of the law, his clear writing style, and his calm demeanor. He became a sought-after mediator, able to forge agreement in the most complex of matters through a unique blend of mediation styles. He strives to create a feeling of comfort for the litigants and counsel, recognizing that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) allows for true closure of a dispute, addressing the non-economic needs and desires of the parties, as well as the financial aspects of any resolution.

Adept in medical malpractice, product liability, and general negligence, as well as in Workers' Compensation matters, Judge Snyder has the ability to effectuate global resolutions of matters that cross jurisdictional  and subject matter lines.  He has formal mediation training certification  from the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions.

Judge Snyder has lectured extensively, and has repeatedly acted as course planner on subjects ranging from the Medicare Secondary Payer Act to Understanding the Mediation Process. He has lectured for PBI, the Pennsylvania Self-Insured Association, the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust, and The Philadelphia Bar Association, among others.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Judge Snyder has twice served as Co-Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association, has served on the Bench-Bar Planning Committee, currently serves as the Workers' Compensation Section's representative member of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association, has served as the Chair and Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association Bar Academy, serves on the Grants Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, and is an active member in the Temple American Inn of Court, and the Judge Alexander F. Barbieri Workers' Compensation Inn of Court, which he founded, and which he currently serves as President. Judge Snyder also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society, and has served as a member of the House of Delegates of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

A graduate of Muhlenberg College and Temple University School of Law, Judge Snyder has been an active member of the Philadelphia legal community for over 37 years.